Southern Arizona will again play host to the best players from the world of professional golf when the 2011 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship returns to The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, February 21-27. The Accenture Match Play Championship, the only event on the PGA TOUR that utilizes a strictly match-play format, will feature the top 64 players in the Official World Golf Ranking (as of Monday, February 14, 2011).

Defending champion Ian Poulter of England leads a stellar international contingent that includes fellow countryman and current world No. 1 Lee Westwood, Germany’s Martin Kaymer (No. 2), U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell (No. 4) and Rory McIlory (No. 7) of Northern Ireland.  Englishman Paul Casey (No. 9), a former standout at Arizona State University, will look to continue his stellar play in the event after finishing runner-up the last two years.

On the American side, Tiger Woods (No. 3) is expected to compete after missing the tournament last year. Steve Stricker (No. 5), 2010 FedExCup champion and University of Arizona product Jim Furyk (No. 8) and Matt Kuchar (No. 13) are also among the top Americans in the Official World Golf Ranking. To view a complete listing of the top 64 in the Official World Golf Ranking please visit www.worldgolfchampionships.com.

In a slight format change designed to enhance the on-site experience for fans, the two semifinal matches will be contested on Sunday morning, February 27, followed by the championship match and consolation match that afternoon.

“Our goal each year is to provide the best experience we possibly can, both to our fans here on site and those watching around the world, while continuing to generate significant dollars for the many worthy charities we support throughout greater Tucson,” said Wade Dunagan, Accenture Match Play Championship Executive Director. “We believe we’ve improved in this endeavor by moving the two semifinal matches to Championship Sunday and encourage everyone to come out and experience this wonderful event later this month.”

With the help of the Tucson Conquistadores, corporate sponsor Accenture and the hundreds of tournament volunteers, the 2010 Accenture Match Play Championship generated $1.013 million for youth charities in the Tucson area. Since moving to Tucson in 2007, the Accenture Match Play Championship has raised approximately $6.2 million for local non-profits.

For fans interested in attending the 2011 Accenture Match Play Championship, tickets can be purchased by either visiting www.worldgolfchampionships.com or calling the Tucson Conquistadores Office at 520.571.0400.